Holster mounting device

ABSTRACT

What is disclosed is a device for mounting a holster or similar item on to for the placement or carrying of the item, including, but not limited to, such items as hand gun holsters, avalanche beacons, water bottles, binoculars and other items such that a user can position the mounting device on the user&#39;s chest using a chest harness, on a surface using an attachment mechanism, or in a variety of other locations using varying attachment mechanisms.

PRIORITY/CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/610,908, filed Mar. 14, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) generally relates to a device for mounting a holster or other similar apparatus and a method for using the device, and more particularly to a device used to mount apparatuses interchangeably with the ability to mount the device on a wide variety of objects or to wear the device on, for example, a user's torso, specifically on the user's chest.

BACKGROUND

A variety of different holsters exist that are associated with handguns. These handgun holsters typically clip onto a users belt or are manufactured with a belt. There also exists a wide variety of holsters that attach to a users upper torso or lower leg extremities. Further, there are also a large number of accessory type items that users may use in association with a handgun or would like to be able to mount in place of a handgun holster. These apparatuses can be used for a variety of purposes. These accessories include items such as avalanche beacons for the back country skier; other items include water bottles, binoculars, first aid kits, cameras and similar items that include an extended portion for putting onto a holder. In the applicants' opinion, what is not known in the art is an interchangeable mounting device that is capable of being mounted in a variety of locations on the user's body as well as being detached from any harness type apparatus on the user's body and being positioned on a surface. This is particularly needed in the field of interchangeable holsters that are applicable to a wide variety of pursuits and activities and apparatus that can attach to the holster's mounting device.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Accordingly, what is disclosed is an adjustable mounting device for a holster or other device that can be used in an activity and that is capable of being mounted in the mounting device as disclosed. In a preferred embodiment the mounting device has a first piece that is a plate that has a perimeter. In a preferred embodiment, the plate is generally circular. The plate has a female opening within the perimeter that is close to the perimeter. A second piece having a male end connects with this female opening by sliding into the female opening of the second piece. In a preferred embodiment, this female portion of the first piece has an opening as well as a raised portion such that the male piece slides into the opening and is held in place by the raised portion as well as a second connection between the first piece and the second piece at generally the opposite end of the second piece from the male portion of the second piece. The device has an attachment mechanism that is capable of attaching the opposite end of the second piece from the male portion to the first piece. When the first and second ends of the second piece are attached to the first piece disc, the two pieces establish an opening which holds the clip of a holster or similar device, such as an avalanche beacon, into the mounting device between the two pieces. This provides for an interchangeability of applications that can be used with the mounting device. The mounting device can have, in a preferred embodiment, a second mechanism to connect the mounting device to an object such as a wall. In a preferred embodiment the mounting device is attached to a harness that is worn around the user's upper torso such that the mounting device is placed on the front of the user's chest. In an embodiment in which the first piece is a circular disc, the first piece has openings around the perimeter of the circular disc that allow for the attachment of straps that constitute a chest harness or similar attachment mechanism.

In a preferred embodiment the mechanisms for attaching the first piece and the second piece include the above discussed male and female connection of one end of the second piece to the generally circular disc of the first piece. In a preferred embodiment, at the opposite end of the second piece is generally an attachment mechanism that attaches the second end of the second piece to the first piece. In a preferred embodiment, the attachment mechanism for attaching the second end of the second piece to the first piece has two thumb screws that are capable of being loosed and unloosened with a user's hands. While in a preferred embodiment the attachment mechanism constitutes thumb screws, the attachment mechanism can also be made using a wide variety of connectors including different types of screws, locking pins, or anything else that can serve the same purpose of the thumb screws. When the thumb screws are tightened with the second piece attached to the first piece the thumb screws can be loosened and removed to remove the second piece from the first piece. This occurs by removing the thumb screws and subsequently by sliding the male end out of the female portion of the circular disc. While in a preferred embodiment, the releasable connection mechanism is a thumb screw, this mechanism can be a variety of other mechanisms including, but not limited to, a hook and loop mechanism such as Velcro, a magnet or possibly a snap locking clip at the top of the second piece.

In a preferred embodiment, the first and second pieces are made by nylon injection molding or can be made at a metal crafting shop. The device is meant to be worn either under or above a clothing layer, or can be used in a variety of other situations, including strapped to a pet harness or even attached via an attaching mechanism with a series of screws, such as a deck of boat. In addition to the device disclosed, what also is disclosed is a method of using the above and below described device in order to secure or “mount” an object to the device.

The purpose of the Summary is to enable the public, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection, the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Summary is neither intended to define the inventive concept(s) of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the inventive concept(s) in any way.

Still other features and advantages of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description describing preferred embodiments of the inventive concept(s), simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated by carrying out the inventive concept(s). As will be realized, the inventive concept(s) is capable of modification in various obvious respects all without departing from the inventive concept(s). Accordingly, the drawings and description of the preferred embodiments are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive in nature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the first piece of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the first piece of an embodiment of the invention with a second piece attached.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of the invention in which the first and second pieces are connected.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the invention in which the first and second pieces are connected.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the invention in which the first and second pieces are connected.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 4 along axis H-H.

FIG. 7 Illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 4 along axis A-A.

FIG. 8 Illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 4 along axis G-G.

FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of the invention of the first piece of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the invention of the first piece of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the invention of the first piece of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 Illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 10 along axis B-B.

FIG. 13 Illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 10 along axis C-C.

FIG. 14 Illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 10 along axis F-F.

FIG. 15 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of the invention of the second piece of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the invention of the second piece of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the invention of the second piece of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 Illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 16 along axis E-E.

FIG. 19 illustrates an embodiment of a first piece of the invention.

FIG. 20 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which the first piece is attached to the second piece.

FIG. 21 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of the device having a first piece attached to a second piece.

FIG. 22 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the device having a first piece attached to a second piece.

FIG. 23 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the device having a first piece attached to a second piece.

FIG. 24 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 16 along axis H-H of FIG. 22.

FIG. 25 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 16 along axis A-A of FIG. 22.

FIG. 26 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 16 along axis G-G of FIG. 22

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The use of “e.g.,” “etc,” and “or” indicates non-exclusive alternatives without limitation unless otherwise noted.

The use of “including” means “including, but not limited to,” unless otherwise noted.

The term “piece” as used throughout this document references the various pieces or portions of the invention that together form the invention. The term “piece” is not meant to limit the invention to only two pieces or that the invention only constitutes 2 pieces, the invention conceivably could be made as one piece that hinges at the connection point of the male and female connection between the first and second piece of the described preferred embodiments.

While the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the inventive concept(s) to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the inventive concept(s) as defined in the claims.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the first piece of an embodiment of the invention. The first piece 2 includes female opening 6 that is formed by opening and extension 4. The first piece in the depicted embodiment is a generally round plate that has opening 16 for the placement of the varying types of connecting piece for attaching a second piece to the first piece 2. Such connecting pieces can include, for example, a chest harness for a user to use the mounting device with a chest harness. In the depicted embodiment the second piece (not shown) connects the attachment mechanism, 14, 12, 8 at the relative (top) of the first piece in this aspect. The attachment piece 8 threads into the opening 14. Opening 12 is shown without any attachment piece for illustrative purposes. Also included in the depicted embodiment are ribs 18 that serve to stabilize the mounting bracket when an object is attached to the mounting bracket.

FIG. 2 illustrates a second perspective view as shown in FIG. 1 but with first piece 20 attached to second piece 21. As illustrated male end 22 of the second piece 20 is inserted into the female portion of the first piece (not depicted as male end 22 is occupying the opening of the female portion). The combination of the female end as well as attachments 24 serve to hold the first piece and second piece together. Not illustrated is an opening of the first piece and second piece where a portion of an object may be held thus holding the object to the mounting device.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of first piece attached to second piece.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the first piece attached to the second piece. Cross sectional lines A, H and G refer to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the mounting device.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view along line HH of FIG. 4. Cross sectional view illustrates opening 32 into which a portion of an object may be placed in order to be held in between first piece 29 and second piece 31. The combination of the attachment mechanism 28 and female portion 30 holding male portion 26 of the first piece, functions to hold the first piece 29 in place with whatever object is mounted on the device between the first and second piece.

FIG. 7 illustrates cross section A-A along line A-A- of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 illustrates schematic views of a preferred embodiment of the mounting device. Section CC presents a further illustrated cross-section of the first piece of the device. FIGS. 9, 10, 11 12, 13, and 14 illustrate a first piece of the device without the second piece attached to the device. Present for the illustrated purposes of the first piece is lock arm 33 for locking the thumb screw 28 in place.

FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of of the first piece of the device without the second piec attached to the device.

FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of the first piece of the device.

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of the first piece of the device.

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross sectional view along line B-B of the first piece of the device.

FIG. 13 illustrates a cross sectional view along line C-C of the first piece of the device.

FIG. 14 illustrates a cross sectional view along line F-F of the first piece of the device.

FIGS. 15-17 illustrate views of the second piece unattached to the first piece. FIG. 15 illustrates a top view of the second piece unattached to the first piece.

FIG. 16 illustrates a front view of the first piece unattached to the second piece along with cross-sectional line EE. FIG. 16 illustrates that the first piece 34 has opening 38 for the attachment mechanism, typically a screw or perhaps a hook and loop connectors such as Velcro or similar piece to pass through the second piece and attach the second piece to the first piece. Male portion 36 is configured to fit into a female portion of a second piece.

FIG. 17 illustrates a side piece of the first piece unattached to the second piece, having an opening 42 and male portion 40 configured in attaching to male piece.

FIG. 18 illustrates cross sectional view of line E-E of FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 illustrates a further embodiment of the invention that features opening 46, such that the first piece can be attached to a secondary object. These secondary objects can include, for example, a dash of a car, a structure located on a boat such that a GPS or similar device can be attached to the mounting holder. FIG. 20 illustrates the first piece of FIG. 19 but with the second piece attached to the first piece. FIGS. 21-26 schematics of the first piece attached to the second piece in an embodiment of the invention having the openings 46 in the first piece, such that the first piece can be attached to a secondary object. FIG. 21 illustrates a top view of the device. FIG. 22 illustrlates a top view of the device with the first piece attached to the second piece. FIG. 23 illustrates a side view of the device. FIG. 24 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device along line H-H of FIG. 22. FIG. 25 illustrates cross section view along line A-A of FIG. 22. FIG. 26 illustrates a cross sectional view along line G-G of FIG. 22.

While certain exemplary embodiments are shown in the Figures and described in this disclosure, it is to be distinctly understood that the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) is not limited thereto but may be variously embodied to practice within the scope of the following claims. From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the following claims. 

1. A holster mounting device, said device comprising: A first piece comprising of a plate having a perimeter, wherein said plate comprises a female opening within said perimeter and proximate to said perimeter, wherein A second piece, wherein said second piece comprises a length having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end of said second piece comprises a male portion configured for mating with said female opening of said first piece, wherein said male opening of said second piece is configured for connection with said female opening of said first piece; and a adjustable connection configured for connecting said second end of said second piece to said first piece, wherein said holster mounting device is configured such that when said second piece is connected to said first piece an opening is formed between said first piece and said second piece.
 2. The holster mounting device of claim 1, wherein said first piece comprises openings for inserting attachment mechanisms through said first piece to connect said first piece to a surface.
 3. The holster mounting device of claim 2, wherein said holster mounting device comprises four of said openings generally arranged in a square pattern.
 4. The holster mounting device of claim 1, wherein said device comprises a chest mounting device, wherein said chest mounting device comprises four straps attached to said circumference of said first piece, wherein said straps are configured to attach to form two connected endless loops around a user's torso.
 5. The holster mounting device of claim 1, wherein said openings of said second piece proximate to said second end of said second piece consist of two openings, wherein said first piece comprises two threaded openings located such that when said mail portion of said second piece is inserted into said female portion of said second piece said first piece is configured to be connected to said second piece by a pair of threaded connectors inserted through said openings on said second piece and attach via a threaded connection to said first piece.
 6. The holster mounting device of claim 1, wherein said first piece comprises two raised ribs that are parallel to said second piece when said second piece is connected to said first piece via said male and female openings and said adjustable connection.
 7. A method of using a mounting device, wherein said method comprises the following steps: attaching said mounting device to a medium, a wherein said mounting device comprises a first piece comprising of a plate having a perimeter, wherein said plate comprises a female opening within said perimeter and proximate to said perimeter; second piece, wherein said second piece comprises a length having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end of said second piece comprises a male portion configured for mating with said female opening of said first piece, wherein said male opening of said second piece is configured for connection with said female opening of said first piece; and a adjustable connection configured for connecting said second end of said second piece to said first piece, wherein said holster mounting device is configured such that when said second piece is connected to said first piece an opening is formed between said first piece and said second piece; attaching an object to be mounted to said mounting device by adjusting the adjustable connection connecting said first piece and said second piece; inserting an portion of an object to be held in said mounting device between said first piece and said second piece; and tightening said adjustable connection to secure said portion of said object between said first piece and said second piece.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein said mounting device is attached to a chest harness that is worn by a user.
 9. The method of claim 7 wherein said mounting device is attached to an animal harness.
 10. The method of claim 7 wherein said first piece comprises an attachment mechanism for attaching said first piece to an object by using screws to attach said first piece to said object.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein said first piece of said mounting device is attached with screws in a location in a vehicle such that an operator of the vehicle has access to said mounting device while operating said vehicle. 